Easy Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Dinner

Alright, folks. It’s time to dive into something magical and Mediterranean. Meet my Easy Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Dinner — the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Juicy chicken meets zesty orzo with a pop of those Mediterranean vibes that I swear could turn any weeknight into a mini-vacation. You’re gonna want to try this because it’s like the food equivalent of a good rom-com: satisfying, uplifting, and just makes you feel good inside.

So let me tell you, my husband is absolutely in love with this recipe. Like, I could probably make it every week, and he’d never get tired of it. It’s literally become our dinner ritual. Picture me: frazzled from the day, pots clanging and overjoyed when this turns out every time. One time, I thought I’d messed it up — realized that was just me worrying too much — and let’s just say we ate every bit, straight from the pan, standing like some Mediterranean dinner party gone casual.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Dinner

1. It’s a One-Pot Wonder: Seriously, this thing makes clean-up practically nonexistent.
2. Weeknight Magic: Twenty minutes, maybe thirty if you chat too much like me. You’ll have time for Netflix and chilling afterward!
3. Flavors That Make Your Kitchen Sing: Mediterranean spices are the music, and this dish is the dance!

How to Make It

Okay, here goes nothing. Grab a chunky pan, or your favorite from the back of the cabinet that you never use enough. Heat that baby up and toss in some olive oil. Already smells divine, right? Then, throw in the chicken. Try not to sneak a bite. Keep an eye on it like I do when I’m cooking and also cleaning spilled sugar off the floor. Once browned, chuck in diced tomatoes, oregano, and garlic if you feel fancy. Add the orzo — trust me, it’ll soak all those juicy wonders right up. Mix like you’re dancing at a family reunion. Let everything simmer while you take a minute just to enjoy how responsible you feel doing this.

Ingredient Notes

– Orzo: Tiny pasta that does a great impression of rice but, you know, Italian-style. Stir like you mean it and watch the magic happen.
– Chicken Breast: Go boneless, skinless here. Easy to cut into bite-sized goodness that won’t scare off kids who think chicken should not be on the bone.
– Diced Tomatoes: Tangy little devils. Make sure they’re not the spicy kind, unless you like surprises. Worked like a charm once and never again!

Recipe Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and brown the chicken.
2. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, and garlic.
3. Stir in orzo and let simmer.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Make sure the chicken is well-cooked. Underdone meat is not a friend, folks. Also, remember my tale of adding hot tomatoes – my tongue still hasn’t forgiven me.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Never happens in my house but if it does in yours, pop them into a container, and they’ll keep singing in the fridge for a few days. Cold leftovers make a wild breakfast, sort of like taking two days in one. No judgment!

Variations and Substitutions

Missing something? Been there. Sub in quinoa if orzo is a no-go. Or try swapping the chicken for shrimp – risky and oh-so-rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Dinner

This wholesome Mediterranean orzo chicken dinner is packed with fresh herbs, juicy chicken breast, and tender orzo pasta, making it a perfect easy weeknight meal.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb chicken breast
• ▢ 1.5 cups orzo pasta
• ▢ 2 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
• ▢ 0.5 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ▢ 0.25 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
• ▢ 0.5 cup feta cheese crumbled
• ▢ 2 tsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• ▢ 1 tsp dried oregano
• ▢ 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 0.25 tsp black pepper
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
• Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add orzo pasta and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until orzo is tender and broth is absorbed.
• Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
• Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, lemon juice, and parsley into the cooked orzo.
• Serve the orzo topped with sliced chicken and enjoy warm.

Notes

For a lighter option, swap feta cheese with reduced-fat cheese and use whole wheat orzo.